Business Owners Seek Change In Live Entertainment Rules

by Rick Howlett on January 27, 2011

Louisville Metro Councilman David James wants the Metro Planning Commission to look into lifting some restrictions on live entertainment in the Old Louisville area.

Restaurants, clubs and other establishments in the Traditional Zoning Neighborhood District are currently prohibited from offering live music or other entertainment, which James says has hurt economic development.

James is sponsoring a resolution that asks the commission to hold a public meeting on the matter. It has the support of the Old Louisville Neighborhood Council and other local groups.

“It only goes to reason and logic that if you’re going to have a nice restaurant, it’s cool to have a jazz combo for brunch on Sunday morning. At this point, that is illegal as far as the Traditional Neighborhood Zoning District. We love those types of things, and why would we be against it? There is no logic to it,” said council president Joan Stewart.

James says he believes the code can be amended in a way that would allow businesses to offer entertainment while respecting residents’ concerns about noise.

He and others discussed the resolution at a Thursday morning press conference at Carly Rae’s restaurant at First and Oak Streets.